Albay P1 million in cash to CDO and Iligan

Albay province is donating P1 million in cash to the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan in Misamis Oriental province in Northern Mindanao, Albay Governor Joey Salceda said Monday.

He said the amount was sourced from the province’s calamity fund. The two cities will receive P500,000 each.

“The financial aid would be given to the local government of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities on behalf of the people of Albay who expressed gratitude to other LGUs and the national government for the assistance it gave to the province in past disasters that hit the province,” Salceda said.

He said the cash assistance was decided as the better option in lieu of a Wash Mercy Mission (water, sanitation and health) and considering the local circumstances specifically the distance of the province to the Mindanao area.

A team from the provincial legislative board, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) will leave for Cagayan de Oro and Iligan on Tuesday to deliver the cash assistance.

Salceda, in a text message, said “more than the amount which is modest, the Albay Sendong Aid Mission brings with them the spirit of solidarity and sense of kinship between our peoples so critical in overcoming this period of distress.”

They will also make an assessment based on face-to-face consultations with the local officials and communities affected on how Albay could further help in the early recovery and rehabilitation period.

On the other hand, the Ako Bicol (AKB) Party list will also donate P250,000 to the victims of Sendong in Cagayan de Oro.